ductile

adjective

Definition of ductilenext
as in stretch
technical capable of being bent or pulled into different shapes ductile iron

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective ductile contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ductile are adaptable, malleable, plastic, pliable, and pliant. While all these words mean "susceptible of being modified in form or nature," ductile applies to what can be drawn out or extended with ease.

ductile metals such as copper

When can adaptable be used instead of ductile?

The words adaptable and ductile are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, adaptable implies the capability of being easily modified to suit other conditions, needs, or uses.

computer hardware that is adaptable

When would malleable be a good substitute for ductile?

While the synonyms malleable and ductile are close in meaning, malleable applies to what may be pressed or beaten into shape.

the malleable properties of gold

Where would plastic be a reasonable alternative to ductile?

The meanings of plastic and ductile largely overlap; however, plastic applies to substances soft enough to be molded yet capable of hardening into the desired fixed form.

plastic materials allow the sculptor greater freedom

When is it sensible to use pliable instead of ductile?

While in some cases nearly identical to ductile, pliable suggests something easily bent, folded, twisted, or manipulated.

pliable rubber tubing

When might pliant be a better fit than ductile?

Although the words pliant and ductile have much in common, pliant may stress flexibility and sometimes connote springiness.

an athletic shoe with a pliant sole

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ductile The all-aluminum M1s are apparently hard enough to handle ice but ductile enough to not easily chip or shatter when hitting rocks. —Cameron Martindell, WIRED, 28 Nov. 2024 The majority of Surprise’s water line system is made of PVC and ductile iron, Water Resource Management Director Mike Boule explained. —Taylor Seely, The Arizona Republic, 14 Nov. 2024 Plate tectonics is a scientific theory describing the large-scale motion of fragments of the earth's rigid outermost shell on an inner ductile layer. —David Bressan, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024 At the atomic level, there are principally four phases of auto steel, including the hardest yet most brittle, called martensite, and the more ductile austenite. —John Johnson Jr., Smithsonian Magazine, 7 Aug. 2024 See All Example Sentences for ductile
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ductile
  1. stretch
  2. pliant
  3. malleable
  4. plastic
  5. pliable
  6. adaptable
  7. elastic
Adjective
  • But farther up Doheny, a black sea of stretch limos and town cars flowed in and out of another, bigger, more raucous post-Oscar blowout still in full swing.
    — Scott Huver, The Hollywood Reporter, 28 Feb. 2025
  • Additionally, Korkmaz said stretch fabrics are making a strong comeback, reminiscent of the early 2000s, but reimagined with current technology.
    — Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of stretch
Adjective
  • Political parties have been dissolved by a pliant judiciary.
    — Sun Narin, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • During subsequent decades, the Soviets and its pliant regime were defeated, the country was racked by civil war, and various Islamist groups became ascendant, including the Mujahedin, Taliban, al-Qaeda, and Isis-Khorasan.
    — Letters to the Editor, Orlando Sentinel, 11 Jan. 2025
Definition of pliant
Adjective
  • The researchers propose to address the problem by replacing some copper components in an EV with aluminum, which has similar conducting properties as copper and is equally malleable.
    — Tejasri Gururaj, Interesting Engineering, 31 Mar. 2025
  • The malleable metal is widely used in construction and manufacturing and has essential purposes for electronics, energy and defense.
    — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 26 Mar. 2025
Definition of malleable
Adjective
  • Use a breathable paper or mesh bag, not plastic, to store your hyacinth bulbs.
    — Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Apr. 2025
  • In South Broward County, Gladys Vasquez of Miramar clutches a plastic grocery bag and says the contents continue to cost more, listing foods like cheese and yogurt.
    — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of plastic
Adjective
  • The fashion house’s artisans began experimenting with the material—which is extremely lightweight, strong, and pliable—and eventually created handles out of them by gently bending the stalks with fire and then applying many coats of lacquer.
    — Diana Budds, Architectural Digest, 8 Apr. 2025
  • When temperatures rise above three hundred and fifty degrees Celsius, rock becomes soft and pliable.
    — Brent Crane, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
Definition of pliable
Adjective
  • Research shows that people who are more curious often feel more fulfilled and adaptable.
    — Dr. Diane Hamilton, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Why is a new No 10 important for Amorim? Analysis from Laurie Whitwell Cunha’s familiarity with that position behind the striker in a 3-4-2-1 formation enhances his appeal for United, who want adaptable players but also need new signings to hit the ground running.
    — Laurie Whitwell, New York Times, 11 Apr. 2025
Definition of adaptable
Adjective
  • The elastic waistband is forgiving (especially post-resort buffet), and the wide legs allow airflow, even in hot climates.
    — Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 13 Apr. 2025
  • This matching linen set includes a short-sleeve crop top and wide-leg pants with an elastic waistband.
    — Emily Weaver, People.com, 12 Apr. 2025
Definition of elastic

Browse Nearby Words

duct
ductile
ductility
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Cite this Entry

“Ductile.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ductile. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.

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